FHLBank serves banks, thrifts, credit unions and insurance companies throughout Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
FHLBank Topeka, a privately owned, federally chartered corporation, promotes housing and homeownership by providing wholesale products, services and programs that help member financial institutions expand the availability of mortgage credit, compete more effectively in their markets and foster strong and vibrant communities. With approximately $63.5 billion* in assets and over $3 billion in capital, FHLBank serves 667 banks, thrifts, credit unions and insurance companies throughout Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. FHLBank employs about 240 people and is located in Topeka, Kan.
In 1932, Congress established a system of home loan banks to relieve financial strains on thrift institutions and to promote homeownership. The other banks are located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Des Moines, Indianapolis, New York, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. The 11 home loan banks are regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in Washington, D.C. The Office of Finance issues and services debt on behalf of the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks.
The first president of FHLBank Topeka was Chester A. Sterling, former chairman of the U.S. Savings and Loan League's reserve credits and banking committee, which wrote the first draft of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act and presented it to President Herbert Hoover. Sterling became president of the Topeka Bank Oct. 15, 1932.
Charles Curtis, vice president of the United States in 1932 and the highest ranking Native American ever to hold public office, selected his hometown of Topeka, Kan., as a home loan bank site.
Before the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), only saving and loan associations and insurance companies could be members of FHLBank Topeka. FIRREA extended membership eligibility to commercial banks and credit unions and established the home loan banks' affordable housing and community investment programs.
*As of 9.30.22